U.S. patent application number 10/231488 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-21 for wand toy and process.
This patent application is currently assigned to Thinkway Toys. Invention is credited to Chan, Albert.
Application Number | 20040209544 10/231488 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33158319 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040209544 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chan, Albert |
October 21, 2004 |
Wand toy and process
Abstract
A "magic mirror" wand toy has a body having a mirror element
that is partially transparent. An image illuminating apparatus is
mounted rearward of the mirror element. An image transport
apparatus has a plurality of images that can be positioned
selectively and alternately in front of the illuminating apparatus.
When an image is stationary, it is lit up and an audible message
associated with the image may be played. The wand can be operated
in sampling mode, in which each of the set of images is displayed
in sequence, and in an individual selection mode.
Inventors: |
Chan, Albert; (Taipei,
CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLAKE, CASSELS & GRAYDON LLP
BOX 25, COMMERCE COURT WEST
199 BAY STREET, SUITE 2800
TORONTO
ON
M5L 1A9
CA
|
Assignee: |
Thinkway Toys
|
Family ID: |
33158319 |
Appl. No.: |
10/231488 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/268 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 40/90 20130101;
A63H 33/22 20130101; A63H 33/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/268 |
International
Class: |
A63H 003/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A mirror wand toy comprising: a wand body having a graspable
handle; an at least partially reflective, partially transparent
presentation member mounted to said body, said presentation member
permitting a user to view the user's own reflection therein; a
light source mounted behind said presentation member; at least
first and second translucent images; said images being
substantially obscured when said light source is inoperative; an
image transport apparatus operable selectively to position a
selected one of said images in a viewing position between said
light source and said at least partially reflective, partially
transparent presentation member; said light source being operable
to illuminate said selected one of said images; control apparatus
connected to govern operation of said transport apparatus and said
light source; and a user input interface selectively operable to
permit a user to elect between said images.
2. The mirror wand toy of claim 1 further comprising an audible
signal emitting device connected for co-operation with said light
source.
3. The mirror wand toy of claim 2 wherein said audible signal
emitting device has at least one message uniquely associated with
said first image, and at least one message uniquely associated with
said second image.
4. The mirror wand toy of claim 2 wherein said audible signal
emitting device has a first set of messages uniquely associated
with said first image and a second set of messages uniquely
associated with said second image.
5. The mirror wand toy of claim 2 wherein said toy has at least a
third translucent image.
6. The mirror wand toy of claim 5 wherein said audible signal
emitting device has a set of messages uniquely associated with each
of said translucent images.
7. The mirror wand toy of claim 1 wherein operation of said light
source is inhibited during operation of said transport
apparatus.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transport apparatus
includes a carousel driveable between at least first and second
positions, in said first position said carousel placing said first
image in said viewing position, and, in said second position said
carousel placing said second image in said viewing position.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a sound emitting
device, said sound emitting device being operable during operation
of said transport apparatus.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transport apparatus is
movable to a datum position, and is movable away from said datum
position to another position to locate one of said images in said
viewing position.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transport apparatus
includes at least one indexing member, and a sensing device is
mounted to interact with said indexing member.
12. A mirror wand toy comprising: a wand body; an at least
partially reflective, partially transparent presentation member
mounted to said body, said presentation member permitting a user to
view the user's own reflection therein; a light source mounted
behind said presentation member; a set of translucent images; an
image transport apparatus mounted to position individual integers
of said set of images in a viewing position between said light
source and said at least partially reflective, partially
transparent presentation member; control apparatus connected to
govern operation of said transport apparatus and said light source;
and said image transport apparatus being driveable to a datum
position; said transport apparatus having an indexing member; said
control apparatus having a sensor co-operable with said indexing
member when said image transport apparatus is in a position away
from said datum position to gauge position of said image transport
apparatus.
13. The mirror wand toy of claim 12 wherein said transport
apparatus has a plurality of indexing members co-operable with said
sensor.
14. The mirror wand toy of claim 13 wherein said transport
apparatus has an indexing member associated with each image of said
set of images.
15. The mirror wand toy of claim 12 wherein: said transport
apparatus is movable to a datum position; said transport apparatus
is movable away from said datum position to another position; and,
said indexing member and said sensor are operable to permit said
control apparatus to stop said transport apparatus in that other
position.
16. The mirror wand toy of claim 12 wherein: said transport
apparatus is movable over a range of motion; and said indexing
member permits said transport apparatus to be stopped at an
intermediate position within that range of motion.
17. The mirror wand toy of claim 12 wherein: said transport
apparatus has a first end-of-motion position, and a second
end-of-motion position; said transport apparatus is movable between
said first and second end-of-motion positions; said transport
apparatus has an intermediate position between said end-of-motion
positions; and said indexing member permits said controller to
determine if said transport apparatus is in said intermediate
position.
18. The mirror wand toy of claim 17 further comprising at least a
second indexing member for indicating when said transport apparatus
is in at least one of said end-of-motion positions.
19. The mirror wand toy of claim 12 further comprising a sound
emitting device, said sound emitting device being operable when
said transport apparatus is in motion.
20. The mirror wand toy of claim 12 wherein said light source is
inhibited from illuminating any of said images while said transport
apparatus is in motion.
21. A method of operation of a wand toy, the wand toy having a wand
body; an at least partially reflective, partially transparent
presentation member mounted to said body, said presentation member
permitting a user to view the user's own reflection therein; a
light source mounted behind said presentation member; a set of
translucent images; an image transport apparatus mounted to
position individual integers of said set of images in a viewing
position between said light source and said at least partially
reflective, partially transparent presentation member; control
apparatus connected to govern-operation of said transport apparatus
and said light source; and said transport apparatus having an
indexing member; said control apparatus including a sensor
co-operable with said indexing member, said method comprising the
steps of: driving said image transport apparatus to a datum
position; driving said image transport apparatus away from said
datum position; and arresting said transport apparatus in a
position away from said datum position in response to co-operation
of said sensing means and said indexing member.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of emitting
an audible signal during operation of said transport apparatus.
23. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of
inhibiting operation of said light source while said transport
apparatus is in motion.
24. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of arresting
motion of at least one of said images while continuing to run a
motor of the transport apparatus.
25. The method of claim 21 further comprising the steps of: waiting
for a signal from said user input interface; receiving a signal
from said user input interface; and operating said transport
apparatus to present a selected one of said images in response to
said signal from said user input interface.
26. The method of claim 21 further comprising: providing a
plurality of input keys for said user input interface; and uniquely
associating each of said keys with one of said images.
27. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of waiting
in an active mode for a new user input signal; waiting in a dormant
mode after expiry of a waiting period; receiving a new user input
signal while in said dormant mode; and returning said transport
apparatus to said datum position after receiving said new user
input signal.
28. The method of claim 27 further comprising the step of
sequentially illuminating each image of said set of images.
29. The method of operation of claim 21 including the step of
receiving a new user input signal from said user input interface
and illuminating a selected one of said images according to said
new user input signal.
30. The method of claim 21 including the step of moving at least
one of said images past said viewing position without illuminating
that image.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to wand toys, and in
particular, to wand toys having an illuminated display of the
"Magic Mirror" type.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Wand toys are a type of toy that may tend to encourage a
child to exercise their imaginative and creative abilities. "Magic
Mirror" wand toys are based on the archetypical magic mirror of the
film "Snow White". In the insecurity inherent in the transient
allure of beauty, the evil Queen is consumed by vanity. She cannot
bear the thought that there may be one more fair than she. What
greater symbol of her obsession than a mirror? But hers is a magic
mirror that answers her queries. In her insecurity, she is driven
always to ask "Who is the fairest one of all?" The image of her
counsellor magically appears in the mirror, to answer her. The
looking glass permits her to see far away. Thus is she inevitably
shown the image of Snow White. This timeless story reaches out to
the very essence of a child's imagination.
[0003] The concept of a far seeing "magic mirror" may thusly be
entrancing to a child. A handheld mirror that permits one to see
not only a reflection of oneself, but also of a fictional
character, such as Snow White, Cinderella, or the character Belle
of Beauty & the Beast, may be an attractive toy. Consequently,
a number of attempts have been made to develop a wand toy that may
tend to simulate a number of the properties of a magic mirror.
[0004] A common feature of several of these attempts is a wand body
in the shape of a hand held mirror, with a handle at one end and a
widened display face at the other. The display face includes a
partially reflective and partially transparent member in which the
user may view their own reflection, or, indeed, the reflection of
other objects depending on the angle at which the reflective
surface is held relative to the viewer seemingly as if by
magic.
[0005] A further common feature of a number of earlier attempts is
an illuminated image, or images, of some character or another. The
image may be created by the placement of a transparency behind the
partially reflective surface. A light source is mounted within the
wand body behind the image. When the light source is dark, or
blocked, the image is either not visible, or only very dimly
visible through the partially reflective surface.
[0006] However, when the light source is lit up, the image is
illuminated, and the intensity of the image projected through the
partially reflective member is such that the image is then visible
to the viewer.
[0007] It is known also to provide an audible signal source, such
as a recording of singing or dialogue, to be played when the image
is illuminated. In past examples of "magic mirror" wand toy, there
have been multiple images, and associated multiple light sources,
each light source being associated with a particular image. It is
also known to provide sequencing of the illumination of various
images, and the messages played when those images are visible, to
provide the suggestion of a conversation between characters.
[0008] It is further known to provide a tape recording of a set of
messages. A first actuation of the wand results in the illumination
of one or more images with an accompanying message, or messages. A
subsequent actuation causes another message to be emitted, and so
on. The roster of messages is limited, and may be provides on a
fixed rotation, or may be random. The child has no control over
which message is played, other than knowing which message comes
"next" when the messages are presented in a fixed rotation. That
is, the child cannot, typically, alter the order in which messages
are presented, or choose one image rather than another.
[0009] In the magic mirror type of wand toy, when the position of
the images is fixed, it tends not to be possible to project more
than one image at a given location. It may be desirable to be able
to manipulate the images to permit different images to be seen at
the same location, perhaps with the possible effect of furthering
the wonderment of the user.
[0010] The present inventor proposed that images be moved to a
projection location. In creating the illusion of an image appearing
at one location, followed by another image at the same location,
the present inventor has addressed the timing and sequencing of
movement, illumination, and sound co-ordination as described
hereinbelow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In an aspect of the invention, there is a magic mirror wand
toy that is operable to illuminate more than one image at the same
image illumination location. In a feature of that invention, the
wand toy has a transport apparatus that carries the set of images
to be displayed. The transport apparatus is movable to different
positions to position different ones of the images to be displayed
in front of a light source. In a further feature, the transport
apparatus has indexing indicia that permit the positions of the
images relative to the light projection apparatus to be known.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention there is the method, in a
magic mirror wand toy, of illuminating a first image at a first
viewing position, moving the first image away from the viewing
position, and then illuminating a second image at a viewing
position that at least partially overlaps the first viewing
position. In a feature of that method, the first and second viewing
positions are the same.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention, there is a mirror wand
toy having a wand body having a graspable handle. The wand toy also
has an at least partially reflective, partially transparent
presentation member mounted to the body, the presentation member
permitting a user to view the user's own reflection therein. There
is a light source mounted behind the presentation member, and at
least first and second translucent images. The images are
substantially obscured when the light source is inoperative. An
image transport apparatus is operable selectively to position a
selected one of the images in a viewing position between the light
source and the at least partially reflective, partially transparent
presentation member. The light source is operable to illuminate the
selected one of the images. There is a control apparatus connected
to govern operation of the transport apparatus and the light
source, and there is a user input interface selectively operable to
permit a user to elect between the images.
[0014] In another feature of that aspect of the invention, the wand
toy also has an audible signal emitting device connected for
co-operation with the light source. In an additional feature, the
audible signal emitting device has at least one message uniquely
associated with the first image, and at least one message uniquely
associated with the second image.
[0015] In another feature, the audible signal emitting device has a
first set of messages uniquely associated with the first image and
a second set of messages uniquely associated with the second
image.
[0016] In still another feature, the wand toy has at least a third
translucent image. In an additional feature, the audible signal
emitting device has a set of messages uniquely associated with each
of the translucent images. In an alternate additional feature,
operation of the light source is inhibited during operation of the
transport apparatus.
[0017] In a further alternate feature, the transport apparatus
includes a carousel driveable between at least first and second
positions. In the first position the carousel places the first
image in the viewing position, and, in the second position the
carousel places the second image in the viewing position. In a
further feature, the wand toy has a sound emitting device, the
sound emitting device being operable during operation of the
transport apparatus. In another feature, the transport apparatus is
movable to a datum position, and is movable away from the datum
position to another position to locate one of the images in the
viewing position. In a still further feature, the transport
apparatus includes at least one indexing member, and a sensing
device is mounted to interact with the indexing member.
[0018] In another aspect of the invention, there is a mirror wand
toy. It has a wand body and an at least partially reflective,
partially transparent presentation member mounted to the body, the
presentation member permitting a user to view the user's own
reflection therein. There is a light source mounted behind the
presentation member. There is a set of translucent images, and an
image transport apparatus mounted to position individual integers
of the set of images in a viewing position between the light source
and the at least partially reflective, partially transparent
presentation member. There is a control apparatus connected to
govern operation of the transport apparatus and the light source.
The image transport apparatus is driveable to a datum position. The
transport apparatus has an indexing member. The control apparatus
has a sensor co-operable with the indexing member when the image
transport apparatus is in a position away from the datum position
to gauge position of the image transport apparatus.
[0019] In a further feature of that aspect of the invention, the
transport apparatus has a plurality of indexing members co-operable
with the sensor. In an additional feature, the transport apparatus
has an indexing member associated with each image of the set of
images. In another feature, the transport apparatus is movable to a
datum position. Then the transport apparatus is movable away from
the datum position to another position, and the indexing member and
the sensor are operable to permit the control apparatus to stop the
transport apparatus in that other position.
[0020] In another feature, the transport apparatus is movable over
a range of motion, and the indexing member permits the transport
apparatus to be stopped at an intermediate position within that
range of motion. In a further feature, the transport apparatus has
a first end-of-motion position, and a second end-of-motion
position. The transport apparatus is movable between the first and
second end-of-motion positions. The transport apparatus has an
intermediate position between the end-of-motion positions, and the
indexing member permits the controller to determine if the
transport apparatus is in the intermediate position. In still
another feature, the wand toy also has at least a second indexing
member for indicating when the transport apparatus is in at least
one of the end-of-motion positions. In a still further feature, the
wand toy has a sound emitting device, the sound emitting device
being operable when the transport apparatus is in motion. In a
still further feature, the light source is inhibited from
illuminating any of the images while the transport apparatus is in
motion.
[0021] In still another aspect of the invention there is a method
of operation of a wand toy. The wand toy has a wand body; an at
least partially reflective, partially transparent presentation
member mounted to the body, the presentation member permitting a
user to view the user's own reflection therein; a light source
mounted behind the presentation member; a set of translucent
images; an image transport apparatus mounted to position individual
integers of the set of images in a viewing position between the
light source and the at least partially reflective, partially
transparent presentation member; control apparatus connected to
govern operation of the transport apparatus and the light source;
and the transport apparatus having an indexing member. The control
apparatus includes a sensor co-operable with the indexing member.
The method comprises the steps of (a) driving the image transport
apparatus to a datum position; (b) driving the image transport
apparatus away from the datum position; and (c) arresting the
transport apparatus in a position away from the datum position in
response to co-operation of the sensing means and the indexing
member.
[0022] In a feature of that aspect of the invention, the method
includes the step of emitting an audible signal during operation of
the transport apparatus. In another feature, the method includes
the step of inhibiting operation of the light source while the
transport apparatus is in motion. In another feature, the method
includes the step of arresting motion of at least one of the images
while continuing to run a motor of the transport apparatus. In
still another feature, the method includes the steps of (d) waiting
for a signal from the user input interface; (e) receiving a signal
from the user input interface; and (f) operating the transport
apparatus to present a selected one of the images in response to
the signal from the user input interface.
[0023] In another feature of that aspect of the invention, the
method includes providing a plurality of input keys for the user
input interface, and uniquely associating each of the keys with one
of the images. In a further feature, the method includes the step
of waiting in an active mode for a new user input signal; waiting
in a dormant mode after expiry of a waiting period; receiving a new
user input signal while in the dormant mode; and returning the
transport apparatus to the datum position after receiving the new
user input signal. In a still further feature, there is the step of
sequentially illuminating each image of the set of images. In
another feature, the method includes the step of receiving a new
user input signal from the user input interface and illuminating a
selected one of the images according to the new user input signal.
In still another feature, the method includes the step of moving at
least one of the images past the viewing position without
illuminating that image.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a general arrangement of a wand
toy according to the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 shows a three-quarter view from the side of the wand
toy of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the wand toy of FIG. 1;
and
[0027] FIG. 4 shows a wiring diagram for the wand toy of FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] The description that follows, and the embodiments described
therein, are provided by way of illustration of an example, or
examples, of particular embodiments of the principles of the
present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of
explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the
invention. In the description that follows, like parts are marked
throughout the specification and the drawings with the same
respective reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to
scale and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated
in order more clearly to depict certain features of the
invention.
[0029] The following description pertains to a wand toy. In the
context of that description, the long axis of the wand toy runs
centrally from the most distal extremity of the wand handle through
to the extremity of the housing lying most distant from the handle.
The terms front and frontward, back, backward, rear and rearward
used in the context of location and orientation of several items
are taken with reference to a mirror simulating visual display
interface. When the wand is held in a user's hand, such as for
providing the user with a view of their own reflection, the user is
in front of the plane of the visual display interface. By contrast,
the inner workings of the wand toy are behind, or rearward of. the
plane of the visual display interface.
[0030] Commencing with FIG. 1, an example of an embodiment of a
"magic mirror" wand toy according to an aspect of the present
invention is identified generally as 20. The wand toy has a wand
body 22 that has a first, main, or major portion 24 that is
generally elliptically shaped, and a second, or lower portion
formed in the shape of a graspable handle 26 having a relatively
narrow root joining the main portion of body 22, and a relatively
wider, somewhat bulbous distal portion lying beyond the waist. A
partially reflective, partially transparent presentation interface
member 28 is mounted to body 22. Presentation interface member 28
permits a user to view the user's own reflection therein and may
generally be referred to as the "mirror" portion of the wand. Thus,
in general appearance wand toy 20 is similar to a hand held looking
glass, such as might be found on a woman's dressing table with a
brush and comb.
[0031] Body 22 is formed from a frontshell member 30 and a
backshell member 32, each being formed as a monolithic molded
member, the two being formed to mate as female and male parts with
corresponding studs 34 and sockets 36 that align to admit the
joining of the front and backshell members by threaded mechanical
fasteners in the nature of Phillips screws 35 of various lengths,
as may be suitable, screws 35 being admitted from the backside
through the recessed sockets provided therefore in backshell member
32.
[0032] As befits a magic mirror, the front shell member 30 has
suitable adornments and flourishes, in the nature of jewel shaped
members 38, 40, and 42 at the 9 o'clock, 12 o'clock, and 3 o'clock
positions relative to the mirror face, i.e., the presentation
interface each jewel shaped member having a coloured transparent
lens, or cover, and fausse rosettes and curliqueues arrayed about
the margin defined by the surround, or bezel 44, that lies
peripherally about the partially transparent presentation interface
member 28.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, an integrally molded, generally planar
recessed web 50 extends across the generally elliptical expanse
lying within the boundary formed by bezel 44. Web 50 forms an
opaque backplate for the partially transparent presentation
interface member 28. A projection port 52 is defined in the
central, upper, generally 12 o'clock region of web 50. Projection
port 52 may have a periphery cut to such profile as may be desired,
whether an arbitrary shape, whether regular or irregular, whether
arcuate, polygonal, partially arcuate, a star shape, a diamond,
rectangle, a moon, an oval, an ellipse or some other shape. In the
preferred embodiment, projection port 52 is generally circular. A
peripheral shoulder 54 is formed between web 50 and bezel 44.
Shoulder 54 has locating slots 48 defined therein for receiving
tabs 56, 58 of interface member 28.
[0034] Also shown in FIG. 3 is a light source 60, in the nature of
a light bulb mounted in a reflector 62 mounted on studs in
backshell 32. Light source 60 and reflector 62 are oriented to
co-operate in the illumination of objects lying forwardly thereof,
and are placed in direct alignment with projection port 52. An
image transport apparatus is indicated as 64. Image transport
apparatus 64 has the general appearance of a circular carousel 66
with a plurality of projection windows 68 defined therein, (in this
example three windows identified as 70, 72 and 74, but being more
generally representative of any number of windows, being at least
first and second windows, and up to as many as can be comfortably
accommodated within the area of the transport carousel), equipped
with a drive train in the nature of a motor 76, and a gearbox 78
driven by motor 76. The output shaft 79 of gearbox 78 is keyed by
means of a flat portion on one side, to a mating keyed socket
protruding from the underside of carousel 66 such that torque can
be transmitted from output shaft 79 to carousel 66. An
interference-fit retainer plug 75 holds carousel 66 on shaft 79.
Motor 76 and gearbox 78 are linked to a disengageable internal
clutch, such that motor 76 can turn without always imparting motion
to carousel 66.
[0035] A monolithic image sheet 80 is mounted to the frontwardly
facing surface of carousel 66. Carousel 66 has a raised ridge, or
wall 82 running chordwise across it, and an upstanding registration
stub 84. Image sheet 80 has a perforation 86 that picks up on stub
84, with the base edge 85 of image sheet 80 aligned with wall 82
and fixed in place by adhesive means, such as adhesive tape,
thereby positively locating images 90, 92, and 94 with respect to
windows 70, 72 and 74 respectively. In this example, images 90, 92
and 94 may depict, for example, Cinderella, Snow White, and Belle,
respectively, although other characters, whether real or fictional,
and may include animals, fictional or extinct beasts, space aliens,
phantoms, or cartoon characters, could be chosen. These images are
all at least partially translucent such that, in normal inside room
lighting, when light source 60 is illuminated, the projection of
which ever of those images is located at (i.e., athwart of)
projection port 52 can be seen through partially transparent
interface member 28.
[0036] When light source 60 is inoperative (i.e., the light is
turned off), the partial transparency of member 28 is sufficiently
poor that the image opposite the projection port is substantially
obscured. The images behind web 50 are fully hidden from view.
[0037] Image transport apparatus 64 includes position indexing
members, in the nature of protrusions, or radially outwardly
extending cam members 100, 102, 104 mounted peripherally
thereabout, each of protrusions 100, 102 and 104 being associated
with, by being placed adjacent to, windows 70, 72 and 74
respectively.
[0038] A sensing means in the nature of spring loaded micro-switch
106 is mounted in the 12 o-clock position relative to carousel 66
such that a resiliently biased member in the nature of a spring
loaded foot, or cam follower 108 is biased to ride on the outside
peripheral edge of carrousel 66. Switch 106 is activated each time
one of protrusions 100, 102, or 104 engages cam follower 108.
Consequently there is a sensing means, or sensor, namely
microswitch 106, that is co-operable with indexing members, namely
protrusions 100, 102, 104 to gauge the position of carousel 66.
Other means, such as a magnetic capacitive, or photoelectric sensor
could also be used. This cam follower could be located elsewhere
within the enclosure defined by backshell 32 and front shell 30,
provided that protrusions 100, 102 and 104 bear the same geometric
and functional relationship to it and to the images with which they
are associated. That is, when image 90 is aligned with projection
port 52, protrusion 100 engages cam follower 108; when image 92 is
aligned with port 52, protrusion 102 engages cam follower 108; and
when image 94 is aligned with port 52 protrusion 104 engages cam
follower 108.
[0039] A number of other electrical components are mounted within
body 22. First, an audible signal-emitting device, in the nature of
a speaker 110 is mounted in a receptacle 112 in backshell member 32
and held in place by retainer bracket 111. A message storage
element 114, whether a tape unit, or, more contemporaneously, and
preferably, a digital voice synthesis device and digital memory
storage element is connected to drive speaker 110. The base of
receptacle 112 is perforated with a pattern of holes to facilitate
projection of sound from the backside of body 20. In the preferred
embodiment of the invention, the digital voice synthesis and
storage apparatus includes a first set of recorded messages
associated with the first visual image 90, a second set of recorded
messages associated with the second visual image 92, and a third
set of messages associated with the third image 94 and storage
elements 114 is incorporated in an electrical microprocessor
control, namely electrical signal processing apparatus 150
discussed below.
[0040] Response selection apparatus 116, in the nature of an array
of individually selectable keys identified as keypads 118, 120, and
122, is mounted on a common pc wiring board base 115, base 115
having a profile to mount within front shell 30 at the root of
handle 26, such that keypads 118, 120 and 122 protrude through
apertures 124, 126 and 128, respectively, formed in frontshell
member 30. When thusly located a user may selectively choose
between keypads 118, 120 and 122 to obtain a desired choice of
image. The keypads are placed at the root of handle 26 may tried to
be operable with the thumb of the hand with which wand 20 is held,
but can also be operated with two hands. In the embodiment shown,
each of keypads 118, 120 and 122 is both colour coded (for example,
blue, red and yellow respectively) and provided with an individual
molded icon (for example, a glass slipper, an apple, and a rose,
respectively) that can be distinguished both visually and by touch
from the others, each icon being uniquely associated with a
specific one of the images to be illuminated.
[0041] A master switch 130, also visible in FIG. 2, is mounted in a
socket 132 in backshell 32 located at roughly a 7 or 8 o'clock
position relative to the face of the partially transparent
interface member. Master switch 130 is a three position switch
movable between "Off", "Play", and "Try me" positions, as explained
below.
[0042] A set of three lights in the nature of LED's 134, 136, and
138 are each mounted within the bezel portion of front shell 30 at
the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions respectively, and are used to
illuminate the simulated jewel shaped members 38, 40 and 42. These
lights may be operated in a flashing manner, or in a non-flashing,
steady manner. They may be different colours, whether red, blue,
yellow, green, or some other colour, and there may be more or less
than 3 lights. It is not necessary that the wand toy have bezel
lights, but, in the preferred embodiment there are three such LED's
and they flash in an alternating manner.
[0043] A generally rectangular inwardly extending battery pack
housing recess 140 is integrally molded into backshell member 32,
and accommodates a pair of dry cell batteries, preferably
rechargeable AA 1.5 V batteries mounted in series. A cover 142
secures the batteries in place.
[0044] Control of the electrical components thus far enumerated is
co-ordinated by an electrical signal processing apparatus 150 in
the nature of a microprocessor 152 whose circuit board is shaped to
fit within, and which is mounted within the hollow in handle
portion 24 of body 20. A circuit diagram for wand 20 is provided in
FIG. 4, which shows the electrical interconnection of the various
components enumerated above. For the sake of clarity, wires and
wiring harness are omitted from FIG. 3. Electrical signal
processing apparatus 150 is activated by master switch 130. It then
responds to inputs from (a) user controlled signals input from any
of the three keypads 118, 120, 122 in the keypad array; and (b)
indexing counter signals from microswitch 106. The response to
these inputs controls (a) the operation of motor 76, including the
internal clutch of the motor and gearbox module; (b) light source
60; (c) speaker 110; (d) and the flashing of LED's 134, 136 and
138. Power to all of these components is provided by the
batteries.
[0045] It will be understood that a user interface array may have
more, or fewer, than three keypads, and yet still permit a user to
select among options. For example, options may be selected by a
pattern of activation of one or more keypads, like a code, or
combination, of keystrokes to activate a selected response. The
user interface may have a keyboard permitting the names of the
characters to be spelt out, or identified by a number code.
Alternatively, multi-position switches that can be selected in a
multiplicity of directions according to the desired output, such as
a switch operable in +x, -x. +y, and -y to permit four choices, or
a track-ball, or track balls could be used.
[0046] All of these functions are disabled in "Off" mode, and the
magic wand is then inoperative.
[0047] When master switch 130 is moved to "Play" mode, the
processor awaits further inputs from the keypads. The first touch
of any of key pads 118, 120 or 122 will cause the apparatus to
operate in "sample mode", namely to provide a sample of each of the
available selections, in sequence as described below. Thereafter a
touch to any of keypads 118, 120, 122 will cause the image
associated with that particular keypad to be moved into alignment
with light source 60 (and hence projection port 52) and illuminated
at the selection of the user. In the event that no key is pressed
for a relatively lengthy period of time (2 minutes, roughly) the
processor may revert to a dormant mode, and, when re-activated by
the next keystroke, may re-commence with the sampling mode.
[0048] When master switch 130 is moved to "Try Me" mode, wand 20
will automatically present the sampling of displayed images as in
"sample mode", without the need to activate the processor by a
keystroke. Thereafter a keystroke will cause the display to move to
the selected image, and to illuminate. As the image is illuminated,
an audible message associated with that image may preferably be
emitted.
[0049] Operation of the Transport Apparatus
[0050] The first operation of wand 20 after the master switch is
moved from the "Off" position, or the first operation after a long
inactive period is to operate in sampling mode. It is desirable for
the processor (i.e., microprocessor 152) to establish the location
of carousel 66. To that end, activation, whether by a keystroke or
by activating "Try Me" mode causes control apparatus 150 to apply
power to motor 76 to drive carousel 66 to a fully clockwise
position. Once carousel 66 reaches that position, (in which cam 100
displaces cam follower 108 to activate microswitch 106 with the
first image aligned with light source 60), the drive for motor 76
is disengaged from the output shaft of gearbox 78, effectively
yielding an end-of-stroke clockwise stop position. This fully
clockwise, end-of-motion position provides a datum position for
subsequent operation. Carousel 66 remains in position while motor
76 finishes running with the internal clutch disengaged. Control
apparatus 150 is programmed to operate motor 76 for sufficiently
long that, whatever the position carousel 66 may previously have
been, motor 76 has time to move carousel 66 from its most
anti-clockwise position to its most clockwise position, with
reasonable allowance for a low battery (i.e., a batter that is
nearly discharged). In the preferred embodiment this running time
period may be about 5 seconds.
[0051] During the time that motor 76 is in operation, lights LED's
134, 136 and 138 may flash on and off, with the 12 o'clock light
136 alternating with the two lights 134, 138 at the 3 and 9 o'clock
locations. At the same time an audio signal may be emitted, such
as, for example, a swirling harp, or harp-like sound such as one
may associate with the invocation of a magic spell, and such as is
sometimes heard in film or on television. The flashing of lights
and the swirling magic sound may cease when motor 76 stops. In an
alternate embodiment, the swirling magical sounds may continue
after operation of motor 76 ceases. When motor 76 has stopped,
there may be brief time delay (a few milliseconds, perhaps). Then,
with the images stationary, power is admitted by control apparatus
150 to light source 60, causing it to illuminate the image aligned
with projection port 52. Alternatively, there may not be any time
delay between the cessation of operation of motor 76 and the
commencement of illumination of the image. In the first portion of
"sampling mode" this image is the first image. In a preferred
embodiment, an audible signal emitter, namely speaker 110, may then
be activated to emit a voice message, or song, while the flashing
lights, namely LED's 134, 136, 138 are turned off.
[0052] In sampling mode, when the first audible message is
finished, light source 60 is turned off, such that the illuminated
image "disappears", or seemingly so. Once the image is
extinguished, motor 76 is re-activated, with the output shaft of
the gearbox driving carousel 66 in the other direction (i.e.,
counter-clockwise) to drive carousel 66 away from the fully
clockwise datum position. In this instance the controller knows
that it is moving away from the first or datum position (namely,
the position of carousel 66 in which the first of the images is
exposed) and toward the second position (namely, the position of
carousel 66 in which the second image is exposed). As such, when
cam follower 108 meets cam 102, control apparatus 150 senses the
change of state in microswitch 106 and causes operation of motor 76
to cease, thereby arresting carousel 66 in a position away from the
datum position. During the period of motion, LED's 134, 136, 138
may flash as before, accompanied, as before, by the swirling
magical sound emitted from speaker 110, which may tend to mask, or
drown out, the sound of motor 76. When motor 76 ceases to operate,
the swirling sound finishes its cycle, and the flashing bezel
lights (LED's 134, 136, 138) cease to flash.
[0053] When the second image is stationary, and lying aligned
between light source 60 and projection port 52, control apparatus
150 causes light source 60 to illuminate second image 92. It is
preferred that an audible message associated with second image 92
then also be emitted by speaker 110. Once this message is complete,
light source 60 may again be extinguished. Once extinguished. and
the second image 92 again seemingly "invisible", the steps may
repeat. That is, motor 76 is again activated, preferably
accompanied by flashing bezel lights and swirling audio effects, as
before. In this instance motor 76 runs until protrusion 104 engages
cam follower 108, again causing a change of state in microswitch
106 sensed by control apparatus 150. This disengages motor 76 from
the gearbox output shaft, causing carousel 66 to stop, in effect
yielding a fully counter-clockwise end-of-motion stop. Motor 76
then stops, the bezel lights may stop flashing, and the swirling
magic sound may cease. It will be noted that carousel 66 may not be
able to turn through full revolutions, but may be limited to a
range of motion according to the angular displacement defined
between the full clockwise and full counter-clockwise end-of motion
stop positions.
[0054] At this point, the third image, namely image 94, lies
stationary and in alignment with light source 60 and projection
port 52. Light source 60 is activated to illuminate the third
image, and, preferably, an audible message associated with the
third image is emitted by speaker 110. In the event that a greater
number of images is employed, this process may repeat until such
time as the full array has been sampled.
[0055] When the sampling mode cycle is complete, wand 20 remains
activated. Processor 152 retains a memory of the location of
carousel 66. A user may then select one of key pads 118, 120, 122,
causing a particular image to be selected.
[0056] If the last previous image is adjacent to the next chosen
image, then motor 76 is activated to move carousel 66 in the
appropriate direction, whether clockwise or counter-clockwise, and
the process repeats much as before, with the usual accompaniment of
swirling magical sounds and flashing lights that occurs each time
motor 76 is in operation. When microswitch 106 is activated, the
motor is stopped, and the selected image is illuminated, preferably
with an associated audible message. In the preferred embodiment,
the audible message is the next message in a set of messages
associated with the particular selected image. (When the system
operates in "sample mode", as when initially activated, as when
activated by resetting of master switch 130 in "Try me" position,
or when re-activated after a lengthy period of inaction, the
selection of audible messages may be reset to the first message in
each of the sets associated with each of the characters). Where the
same image is selected over and over, there is no motion of
carousel 66, but rather merely an emission of the next audible
message in the set, or roster, of messages associated with that
image. When the set of messages is exhausted, the roster may roll
over again to the initial message, and so on.
[0057] If the last previous image is not adjacent to the next
chosen image, the controller counts the number of times microswitch
106 is activated, and stops carousel 66 after the appropriate
number of pitches have been traversed. In the example, if the
selected image is two images away from the image at which the
carousel previously stopped, the controller will count 2
activations of microswitch 106 before stopping carousel 66 on the
second activation. It will do this in either the clockwise or
counter-clockwise directions.
[0058] It should be noted that, in a preferred embodiment, if a
subsequent keystroke is made while the apparatus is engaged in
illuminating one image, and possibly while an audible message
associated with that image is in progress, that keystroke is
ignored by control apparatus 150. That is, control apparatus 150
will not interrupt execution of a previously commenced activity,
and will ignore all subsequent keystrokes until the previous
activity is complete. In an alternate embodiment a keystroke, or
combination of keystrokes, may be used to interrupt execution of a
previous command or selection.
[0059] In each case, light source 60 may be activated as a step
function, from "off" to full voltage. Alternatively, light source
60 may be activated slowly to cause the image to glimmer softly at
first, at a first, or rising, level of intensity, and then to
increase to full intensity, to simulate a magic image clarifying
itself. In a further alternative, the light intensity can fluctuate
to yield a wavering image.
[0060] Although a transport mechanism in the nature of circular
carousel 66 has been illustrated and describes, a non-circular
mechanism could be used, such as an arc of a circle, or a linear
rack. A circular carousel, as described, is preferred. Further, the
embodiment described above makes reference to clockwise operation
followed by counter-clockwise operation, as, for example, in the
sampling mode. It will be understood that the directional operation
could be reversed. For example, the datum position could by the
fully counter-clockwise position, and counter-clockwise motion
could then be followed by clockwise motion.
[0061] Projection port 52 may be larger than whichever of the
images may be chosen to be illuminated therethrough. It may also be
that one image may be stopped more to one side of projection port
52 than another. In that case, it may be said that the first image
is stopped in a first viewing position relative to projection port
52, while the second image is stopped in a different, second
position relative to projection port 52. The first and second
positions are each visible through projection port 52, and may tend
to overlap, at least in part. It is preferred that the first and
second positions overlap to a great extent such that the first and
second positions may, in the most preferred embodiment, be the same
position.
[0062] The foregoing description pertains to wand toys generally. A
wand toy may have the general shape of a hand held looking glass,
but may also have the shape of a magic wand, with, for example, a
star shaped end that lights up and presents images as described
above. It may also take the form of a crystal ball, or palantir, or
a hand held console, whether with a single handgrip or a pair of
handgrips, such as might simulate the controls of a jet fighter or
rocket fighter, with a central display.
[0063] Various embodiments of the invention have now been described
in detail. Since changes in and or additions to the above-described
best mode may be made without departing from the nature, spirit or
scope of the invention, the invention is not to be limited to those
details, but only by the appended claims.
Parts List
[0064] Wand toy--20
[0065] Wand Body--22
[0066] Major portion (of 22)--24
[0067] Graspable handle--26
[0068] Presentation interface member--28
[0069] Frontshell--30
[0070] Backshell--32
[0071] Studs--34
[0072] Sockets--36
[0073] Jewel shaped member (9 o'clock)--38
[0074] Jewel Shaped Member (12 o'clock)--40
[0075] Jewel Shaped Member (3 o'clock)--42
[0076] Bezel--44
[0077] Blank--46
[0078] Locating Slots--48
[0079] Web--50
[0080] Projection Port--52
[0081] Peripheral shoulder--54
[0082] Tab (of mirror)--56
[0083] Tab (of mirror)--58
[0084] Light Source--60
[0085] Reflector--62
[0086] Image Transport Apparatus--64
[0087] Carousel--66
[0088] Projection Windows--68
[0089] First Window--70
[0090] Second Window--72
[0091] Third Window--74
[0092] Interference--fit retainer plug 75
[0093] Motor--76
[0094] Gearbox--78
[0095] Gearbox output shaft 79.
[0096] Image sheet--80
[0097] wall--82
[0098] registration stub--84
[0099] perforation--86
[0100] Blank--88
[0101] Image No. 1 Cinderella--90
[0102] Image No. 2 Snow White--92
[0103] Image No. 3 Belle--94
[0104] Blank--96
[0105] Blank--98
[0106] Cam Member No. 1--100
[0107] Cam Member No. 2--102
[0108] Cam Member No. 3--104
[0109] Micro--switch--106
[0110] Cam Follower--108
[0111] Speaker--110
[0112] Receptacle--112
[0113] Message Storage Element--114
[0114] Keypad wiring board base--115
[0115] Response selection apparatus--116
[0116] Keypad No. 1--118
[0117] Keypad No. 2--120
[0118] Keypad No. 3--122
[0119] Aperture No. 1--124
[0120] Aperture No. 2--126
[0121] Aperture No. 3--128
[0122] Master switch--130
[0123] Socket--132
[0124] LED No. 1--134
[0125] LED No. 2--136
[0126] LED No. 3--138
[0127] Recess--140
[0128] Cover--142
[0129] Batteries--144
[0130] Blank--146
[0131] Blank--148
[0132] Electrical Signal Processing Apparatus--150
[0133] Microprocessor--152
* * * * *